RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Comparative genomic hybridisation.
JF Molecular Pathology
JO Mol Pathol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists
SP 243
OP 251
DO 10.1136/mp.52.5.243
VO 52
IS 5
A1 M M Weiss
A1 M A Hermsen
A1 G A Meijer
A1 N C van Grieken
A1 J P Baak
A1 E J Kuipers
A1 P J van Diest
YR 1999
UL http://mp.bmj.com/content/52/5/243.abstract
AB Comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) is a technique that permits the detection of chromosomal copy number changes without the need for cell culturing. It provides a global overview of chromosomal gains and losses throughout the whole genome of a tumour. Tumour DNA is labelled with a green fluorochrome, which is subsequently mixed (1:1) with red labelled normal DNA and hybridised to normal human metaphase preparations. The green and red labelled DNA fragments compete for hybridisation to their locus of origin on the chromosomes. The green to red fluorescence ratio measured along the chromosomal axis represents loss or gain of genetic material in the tumour at that specific locus. In addition to a fluorescence microscope, the technique requires a computer with dedicated image analysis software to perform the analysis. This review aims to provide a detailed discussion of the CGH technique, and to provide a protocol with an emphasis on crucial steps.